Every October, families from across the globe celebrate Blue Sky Day as a way to bring awareness to Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder that affects one out of every 10,000 girls born each year. On October 22, families from around Massachusetts came together to climb the steps of Gordon Hall at Harvard Medical School to symbolize their daily struggle and hope for the future. A few of those families share what Blue Sky Day means to them. 

“I’m thankful that Jordan’s still mobile and can climb the stairs with a little assistance.” — Larry Fallon

“What I like most about Blue Sky Day is that it’s a great opportunity for our community to get together to support one another, but also to celebrate the hope we have for research and curing Rett syndrome one day.” — Geoff Gillard

“Blue Sky Day  is a great opportunity for us to get together with our Rett community. We get to see faces that know our story and travel our path because it’s a unique journey. Climbing the stairs is really like the challenge of the Rett syndrome life.” — Ariane McMahan

“Blue Sky Day represents not feeling the loneliness that you feel when you’re taking care of a family member with Rett syndrome. We’re in it together. Climbing the steps symbolizes that anything is possible.” — Maggie Dennis Wurm

“It’s nice to see that people are really thrilled when their child gets up the stairs. Everybody cheers for them and that’s really a good feeling. It’s a really nice, supportive day.” — John Costello

Learn more about the Rett Syndrome Program.